TCU officially announces move to Big 12

TCU officially announced that it has accepted an invitation to join the Big 12.

TCU Chancellor Victor Boschini Jr. made the announcement a short time ago during a press conference at the school.

TCU will officially join the Big 12 on July 1, 2012.

"The Big 12 is a perfect fit for TCU," TCU athletic director Chris Del Conte said. "With our historical ties to Baylor, Texas and Texas Tech, as well as the close proximity to the other league members, we couldn't be more excited to have the Big 12 as our new home. It's been unbelievable to see the excitement among our constituents. We are very proud to represent Fort Worth and the entire Metroplex in the Big 12."

It's a big addition for the Big 12, which is losing Texas A&M to the SEC. The Big 12 lost Colorado to the Pac-12 and Nebraska to the Big Ten.

TCU has become a football power over the last 10 years under head coach Gary Patterson, which certainly appealed to the other Big 12 schools. The Horned Frogs beat Wisconsin in last January's Rose Bowl.

It's also a great fit for TCU, which was scheduled to join the Big East. It makes perfect geographic sense for TCU and brings TCU back to its original roots. TCU was a member of the old Southwest Conference along with Texas, Texas Tech and Baylor.

TCU will also benefit from the Big 12's television contracts. And, as mentioned above, TCU's football success will bring in television viewers.